New Delhi [India], October 19 : AICC General Secretary and Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja welcomed Ram Sharan Nautiyal back into the Congress party, stating that his experience within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had given him an understanding of its functioning. She also launched a sharp attack on the Uttarakhand government, alleging widespread corruption, public dissatisfaction, and concerns over women's safety in the state.
Speaking to the ANI in Delhi, Selja said Nautiyal had witnessed the functioning of the BJP and was happy to return to the Congress, the party whose ideology he had previously followed. She described his return as an opportunity for those who believe in the Congress's principles to strengthen the organisation.
“He has witnessed how things are being run within the BJP. He will tell you about that himself, and he is truly happy to be back with his own party and his own ideology,” Selja said.
She also invited people who shared the Congress's ideology and believed in the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to join the party.
“We invite all such individuals who believe in the Congress ideology and have faith in leaders like Rahul Gandhi ji and Mallikarjun Kharge ji to join the Congress party,” she added.
Turning her attention to Uttarakhand, Selja alleged that public resentment against the state government was growing because of several unresolved issues, including questions over investment promises, governance and justice.
“There is immense resentment among the people of Uttarakhand against the state government. Whether it is deception in the name of investment or the lack of justice, there is chaos everywhere,” she said.
The Congress leader further raised concerns over women's safety, alleging that women across the state were facing insecurity. She criticised the state government's handling of law and order and accused it of failing to address public concerns effectively.
“No woman, be it a daughter, sister or daughter-in-law, is safe there. Corruption is rampant,” Selja alleged.
Her remarks underline the Congress's efforts to challenge the BJP government in Uttarakhand over governance, transparency, women's security and accountability. The allegations form part of the opposition's criticism of the state government as the Congress seeks to strengthen its political position in the state.